The wait is over, and the roar of the Brazilian crowd is about to be unleashed. IEM Rio 2026 officially begins later today, bringing the absolute pinnacle of competitive Counter-Strike back to one of the most passionate esports regions in the world. With sixteen top-tier teams vying for the trophy, the stakes are incredibly high, and for one team, this tournament means much more than just another title.
The golden opportunity for Team Vitality
All eyes are on Team Vitality as they enter Rio as the heavy tournament favorites. But it’s not just the IEM Rio trophy in their crosshairs; Vitality is standing on the precipice of Counter-Strike history.
If they manage to take home the championship here in Brazil, Vitality will secure the elusive Intel Grand Slam Season 6 title, claiming the monumental $1,000,000 gold bar prize that comes with it. To do so, they will need to navigate a gauntlet of the world’s best teams, starting with their opening best-of-three (BO3) matchup against the local underdogs, RED Canids.
Given their dominant form entering today’s opening match, Vitality is expected to breeze through the initial stages, but the pressure of the Grand Slam can weigh heavily on even the most seasoned veterans. If they win the Grand Slam, they will be the first organization in history to win the Grand Slam twice.
Storylines to watch
While Vitality’s pursuit of the ESL Grand Slam is the marquee storyline, the opening day is packed with interesting matchups:
- Hometown Heroes: Brazilian fans will have plenty to cheer for today. Alongside RED Canids and Legacy taking on massive challenges, FURIA will close out the night against Passion UA as the heavy favorites, hoping to ride the local momentum deep into the tournament.
- Heavyweights Collide: Natus Vincere (NAVI), G2 Esports, and Team Spirit all begin their campaigns today as well.
- The Underdog Factor: With teams like Gentle Mates, 3DMAX, and HOTU stepping up to the plate, opening days always carry the risk of massive upsets.
Today’s opening schedule (April 13, 2026)
Here is the complete schedule for today’s opening matches. All matches are Best-of-3 (BO3).
| Time (CEST) | Matchup |
| 15:00 | Team Vitality vs. RED Canids |
| 15:00 | Gentle Mates vs. G2 Esports |
| 17:30 | Team Spirit vs. Team Liquid |
| 17:30 | 3DMAX vs. Team Falcons |
| 20:00 | B8 vs. Natus Vincere |
| 20:00 | Legacy vs. MOUZ |
| 22:30 | FURIA vs. Passion UA |
| 22:30 | Aurora vs. HOTU |
Livestream
A-stream
B-stream
